Virginia Health Services Chief Strategy Officer Eric Gommel recently spoke on a panel at the Aging Media Network’s Continuum Conference in Washington, D.C. The panel, “Acuity Creep Across the Continuum: Adapting to Shifting Patient and Resident Profiles,” was covered in a news story by Home Health Care News and published Jan. 5 online.
Gommel and his fellow panelists, Michael Johnson, President of Hospice & Home Health BAYADA Home Health Care, and Adam Perry of the John Hartford Foundation Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program, discussed the increasing medical complexity and frailty of the seniors accessing care within the continuum.
He said staff education and training are key in addressing “acuity creep.”
“You have to invest in your team, and that means making sure they’re not turning over and you’re spending time preparing them for these changes,” he said.
Virginia Health Services celebrated its final apprentice class of 2023 during a graduation ceremony Friday, Dec. 8 at the Employment, Enrichment and Education (EEE) Center in Port Warwick.
The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The program includes six weeks of class work and clinical skills labs, in addition to on-the-floor experience at VHS nursing and rehabilitation centers.
The graduates – Mahojahnae Cofield, Morgan Combs, Javonni James, Ebony Robertson, Alicia Smith and Sharen Van Boeckel – are now VHS team members. They will work at Northampton and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the apprentices’ accomplishments and enjoyed light refreshments following the ceremony.
The graduates with their instructors Princess, Nora and Tracy.
The ceremony
Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, calls the class “CNA boot camp.” The students are presented 700 slides, take 14 tests and learn 22 skills. They also work on the floor at VHS nursing facilities in the evenings and on some weekends.
“They evolved through class,” she said. “Their personalities really came out.”
Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN, told the graduates “this is just the beginning. You guys are going to take it beyond your CNA licenses.”
This was a training class for training and education coordinator Tracy Williams, MSN, BSN, RN. She will teach classes at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center beginning in January.
The graduates
The six graduates were complimented throughout the ceremony by Princess and Nora.
Mahojahnae “Mo” Cofield earned Princess’ Champion Award for being the most improved throughout the course of the class. “She wanted her patients to get great care,” Princess said.
Morgan Combs is the class valedictorian. She joined the class after spending time as a veterinarian tech, Princess said. “She decided she wanted to care for humans … There’s more of a connection when you provide care,” Princess said.
Morgan addressed her classmates in her valedictorian address, and thanked the instructor team.
“It’s been a complete whirlwind, but we made it to the other side. We have grown as humans and as nurse aides. We are a little more sure of ourselves, came out of our shells a bit, made friends with each other and had each other’s shoulders to lean on,” Morgan said. “… It has not been easy but we did it. I’m so proud to know each and every one of you … and so happy we took this journey together.”
Javonni James came into the class without previous healthcare experience. Tracy told Princess it looked like Javonni did it for years when watching her in the skills labs.
“She fell in love with her residents and will make an excellent nurse,” Princess said. Nora said Javonni excelled in the clinical environment.
Ebony Robertson had experience in healthcare and drove to class from Norfolk every day.
“Don’t stop here,” Princess told her. “You will be a great nurse.”
“She’s destined to do the right thing; she brings the best out of everyone else,” Nora added.
Princess referred to co-salutatorian Alicia Smith as “a little firecracker.” She exhibited professional growth in learning how to take care of residents.
“Alicia told me, ‘I will be great,’” Princess said.
Sharen Van Boeckel, co-salutatorian, worked in ICU care in Portland, Oregon, before moving to Virginia.
“She learned it’s different in nursing home and it’s different in Virginia,” Princess said. “She excelled in the classroom and on the floor.”
Nora added Sharen’s enrolled in a RN program that starts in January. “She’s a great leader and role model.”
VHS Vice President of Operations Don Lundin closed the ceremony saying, “Keep going. You’re on a journey. I’m excited to be part of your journey.”
The program
The next steps for the graduates include attending reviews at the EEE with Nora to prepare for the state board exams. “If you get through me, you’ll get through boards,” Nora said. “You will be a better nurse.”
The next apprenticeship class starts in January. Learn more about the program at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
We’re thankful for the Virginia Health Services’ IT Team! Our team implements and maintains technology solutions across the company, which includes 1,200 team members stretched from the Peninsula to Kilmarnock and sites Richmond to Southside.
They field between 10 and 30 tickets most days, depending on need. Some require on-site response, while others can be solved remotely. The team is nimble, responsive, and share a large database of solutions they’ve developed over years of troubleshooting.
The team
Kathy Wickline has more than 20 years of experience with VHS. She manages the communication between team members to ensure issues are resolved. She has seen the growth and development of technology across VHS, including the move from paper to online nurses schedules.
How shift schedules were kept at facilities has been updated from this large piece of paper. “There was a lot of whiteout, erasing and correction tape used,” Kathy said.
Michael Leeman joined the team earlier this year. He has a background in information technology in the food service industry. His role extends to VHS devices and their users.
“Identifying and helping people with solutions; I’m hands on with devices as well. Primarily, my role is finding new solutions for problems and implementing solutions,” Michael said.
Jacob Bean, who is part-time, is recognizable throughout the VHS facilities. He spent time working in customer service for the Norfolk Naval Station – so he’s no stranger to the importance of keeping client information secure.
He says his role is computer maintenance with all of the devices to make sure they are up to date with anything that needs to be done. He also is growing into doing other things on the team.
“Michael is mentoring Jake. Michael doing more networking, enterprise solution stuff. He takes on a lot on himself to learn. Jake is very eager to learn also. We all just share knowledge,” Kathy said.
They’re all very hands on. There also is a group that handles specific software programs to keep the VHS teams running, and a contracted firm that ensures cybersecurity across platforms and within solutions.
VHS IT Team of Michael, Jacob and Kathy incorporate solutions to keep team members online, devices working and patient information secure.
2023 projects
The team has implemented many solutions across VHS. A few of the 2023 project highlights:
Dialysis Den infrastructure
The Dialysis Den, which opened in June, involved additional technology infrastructure to keep networks secure. The Den, which is operated in partnership with DaVita, has multiple channels to protect data from both providers. “There was a separate subnet so it wouldn’t touch our network and mitigated risk,” Kathy said. “There’s a lot that goes into the backend of the implementation and figuring out what it is the customer wants. It takes a lot of planning.”
New call bell system
A new call-bell system is being installed at Northampton (as a pilot site). There is a lot of testing that goes into improving the call bells, the team said, including ensuring the Wi-Fi is strong enough to maintain the software and maintaining the building’s Wi-Fi needs.
Cyber security training videos
Cybersecurity awareness is key to the healthcare business. There is a lot of confidential information that needs to remain protected, under law. Quick training videos are now available to VHS team members to stay updated on trends, scams and best practices. “I think it’s a good tool to have in place,” Michael said. “It’s informative. The No. 1 threat to security is the end user. … The biggest benefit is protecting our clients’ data. Clicking the wrong link can open us up to legal issues. Having the awareness of what’s safe and what isn’t is pretty big.”
IT ticketing system
The updated system was implemented in early spring. It has cut down on emails and phone calls, and the ticket tracking system allows the team to see who it was assigned to (or if it needs to be assigned). “It’s been huge for us to stay organized,” Michael said, and keeps tickets that need to be fulfilled top of mind.
Upgraded security camera interface
The interface for viewing security camera footage is moving to the Cloud, which will make sections of video quicker to access, view and save.
Some current systems are aging, Kathy said, and the interface is cumbersome.
“It’s constantly refreshing technology. Something as basic as updating conference room speaker phones to help the sound; IT’s constantly stuff like this,” she says.
It is the second straight year Walter Reed has received the honor
GLOUCESTER, Va. (Nov. 13, 2023) – Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester, a Virginia Health Services (VHS) entity, has been recognized on Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024 list. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on September 27, 2023, and can currently be viewed on the Newsweek’s website.
This is the second straight year Walter Reed has earned the Newsweek honor. Walter Reed opened in 1981 in its current location and is one of seven nursing and rehabilitation centers under the VHS umbrella, which also includes home care, hospice, assisted and independent living, along with rehabilitation and pharmacy services. Walter Reed offers skilled and long-term nursing care in addition to Memory Care units for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024 ranking lists the nation’s leading nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest number of facilities according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The evaluation is based on five data sources:
CMS Data used to determine the performance of nursing homes.
National Online Survey of thousands of medical professionals.
Management of the Covid-19 situation.
Resident Satisfaction Data.
Accreditation by The Joint Commission (TJC) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Based on the results of the study, Virginia Health Services is ecstatic Walter Reed again is being recognized as one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2024.
“This repeat honor is a testament to the dedication of the Walter Reed team to resident care,” said Virginia Health Services President & CEO Mark Klyczek. “They are being nationally recognized once again for their hard work and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”
Learn more about what the Walter Reed community is like on its Facebook page.
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About VHS
Locally owned and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia since 1963, Virginia Health Services offers exceptional senior living and health care services. We specialize in the continuum of care from active lifestyle independent and assisted senior living communities, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Our 1,000+ Team Members are passionate and committed to the well-being and quality care of our residents. Beyond our thoughtfully maintained communities located throughout the Virginia Peninsula, we offer a full range of personalized skilled health care, outpatient therapy, home care and hospice services by specially trained staff in the comfort and privacy of your home. To learn more, please visit our website at www.vahs.com.
About Statista:
Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, business relevant data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.
Virginia Health Services’ centralized admissions team handles all incoming patients to our seven nursing and rehabilitation centers.
The team has a combined 50(ish) years of experience with Virginia Health Services. And how do they surprise the individuals they talk to daily?
“Many people are surprised that they get to talk to a human voice,” says team leader Kassie Martin.
They field about 100 (or more) phone calls a day between them. They remain professional, courteous and patient as so many of the individuals they speak with feel the stress of finding a safe place for their loved ones.
Our team members have to know how to decipher insurance information, understand medical charts and breakdown financials.
The team reads medical history and charts – and they get referrals from many sources.
It’s a challenging job to keep track of multiple individuals and where each is in the process. Once the admissions process is completed, the individual transitions to a Resident Navigator at the nursing center to onboard in person, which means our admissions team rarely meets in person those they’ve admitted.
It’s worth it. The team agrees the work they do helps contribute to the community they work in.
Thank you to our team! We can’t do it without you!
Join our team
Our centralized admissions team is looking for a coordinator who is a LPN. Visit vahs.com/careers to apply today.
Creating home-like environments for residents takes a team. The upkeep of each facility requires a team dedicated to working behind the scenes, changing light bulbs, checking the plumbing, and so much more.
It’s National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week (Oct. 22-28), and Virginia Health Services is celebrating its maintenance and facilities staff. VHS operates three senior living communities, seven nursing and rehabilitation centers, and maintains offices for corporate support services, VHS Rehabilitation, VHS Home Health Care and VHS Home Hospice.
Jesse Young, VHS Vice President of Facilities and Development, oversees facility maintenance. He says each building (depending on size) has a dedicated maintenance person or an Environmental Services team member responsible for maintenance tasks. There also is a traveling corporate team that handles major projects and serves as a stopgap for vacations or turnover.
There are two team members who have been with VHS for about 20 years, and several others with the team for five years or less.
“We are so dependent on what they do every day, and yet it’s very behind the scenes. A week like this is valuable recognition of the team,” Jesse says.
Maintaining VHS
Jess says skill sets can vary person to person. Someone in each building takes care of routine tasks.
“It’s a lot of light bulbs, toilet repairs, door adjustments – because of our traffic, doors take a beating,” he says.
Some of the tasks are major, and the corporate team helps handle larger-scale tasks, such as AC/heating unit replacements and boilers. The team handles a lot of plumbing repairs.
“It saves us from having to contract out all of the major items,” Jesse says.
Team members are jacks of all trades.
“For the most part, until you get to the major electrical things, it’s more being able to track an issue and think with an analytical mind. The key is someone who can do a little bit of detective work and get to the bottom of whatever it might be,” Jesse says of maintenance team members.
Some of the aesthetic work, such as painting, and some repairs also fall to EVS to balance the work of all teams.
“It works really well that way,” Jesse says.
Facility updates
The team also manages facility upgrades, including some at The Arbors Independent Living, which opened in Port Warwick in 2003.
The flooring is being replaced in several community spaces and some of the furnishings have been replaced. Apartment upgrades also have been made.
The Den, which opened in partnership with DaVita Kidney Care, provides on-site dialysis hemodialysis to Coliseum residents, reducing the discomfort, inconvenience and cost of frequent transportation for treatment.
The Dialysis Den at Coliseum opened in June. It is operated in partnership with DaVita.
The VHS facilities team also is working on upgrades to the lobbies of the seven nursing and rehabilitation centers. The first to be completed was at Coliseum to coincide with the opening of the Den. Fresh paint, flooring, graphics and furniture spruced up the entryway. Other improvements include in public restrooms and other shared spaces.
Coliseum’s lobby upgrades including fixing the skylights, and updating the furniture and other fixtures.
Join our team!
We are always on the search for talented jacks of all trades! Visit vahs.com/careers to explore our opportunities and apply.
Virginia Health Services welcomes its latest graduates from the apprentice program to its workforce. Eight care assistants graduated to nurse aides from the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program during a ceremony Oct. 13 at the VHS Education Center.
The graduates are Alysse Eagan, Aniyah Fitzgerald, Eureka Johnson, Keyena Oliver, Isabel Perez-Garcia, Darrell Pink, Jazmine Russell and Charise Samuels.
They are employees with VHS, with five going to work at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the rest dispersing to The Newport, Northampton and Walter Reed nursing and rehabilitation centers.
Class of October 2023 apprenticeship graduates during a ceremony Oct. 13 at the VHS education center.
“This class raised the bar. This was an exceptional class,” said instructor Nora Gillespie, RN. “You were together in spirit. You were focused. It was a pleasure to teach you all. I know you’re ready to fly from the nest and start your career.”
The apprenticeship continues over the course of a year, with a review before the state exam (the cost is covered by the program). By passing the state test, the apprentices will be Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs).
“This is the foundation of nursing. Don’t let anyone diminish what you do. You’ll use this going forward,” said Direction of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN.
Two graduates are enrolled in RN programs beginning in January. Another is planning to pursue nursing with a concentration in mental health.
By the time the graduation ceremony was over, each graduation walked off with superlative certificates from Nora and Princess for their excellent work over the course of the six-week program. They had to learn 22 skills, pass 24 tests, do six days of clinical skills – all while working weekend shifts as care assistants.
“Nothing is easy about this class,” Nora said. “They have to learn so much.”
The students
Valedictorian Alysse Eagan came into the class with a background in web design.
“I’m proud of all of us for getting to this point. I’m also very thankful. I’ve been bouncing from career to career trying to find something that fit. When I found this, I felt like I found my calling. I’m thankful for all of you and the support you gave me,” she said to her classmates in her valedictorian remarks.
She is enrolled to begin a RN program in January.
Alysse Eagan delivers her valedictorian remarks.
Salutatorian Jazmine Russell drove to Newport News every day from the Middle Peninsula to attend class. She returned to the class after working in dietary at Lancashire, taking a break after the COVID pandemic put a halt to state testing.
Aniyah Fitzgerald’s mother also works at James River. Aniyah earned a superlative award for clinicals.
“She loves patient care,” Princess said. “She lives for it.”
Eureka Johnson also was a repeat student, earning the Perseverance Award from Princess.
“She can occupy a room and has a heart of gold,” Nora said.
Keyena Oliver, Isabel Perez-Garcia, Darrell Pink and Charise Samuels earned Spirit of Excellence Awards from their instructors for giving 100% to the class.
Keyena “did an amazing job,” Nora said.
Princess said she loved the energy Isabel brought to patient care.
Darrell joined the class with a medical background and served in the Navy. He is enrolled to start in a RN program in January.
“I knew from Day 1 she had it,” Nora said of Charise. “This class really emphasized where you want to be in your career.”
Princess said Charise has a background in mental health and wants to pursue that niche of nursing.
“We care about our students. This class is meant to be here,” Nora said.
Upcoming classes
The next class of apprentices – the last of the year – is slated to begin Oct. 30. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state exam to be a CNA.
The 2024 class dates for Newport News have been announced and are available at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Applications will open for the January class later this year. A class also is slated to be offered at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester in January.
Virginia Health Services and the Dialysis Den at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was featured Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in an article in the Daily Press newspaper (based in Newport News, Virginia).
The article outlines the benefits of having an on-site dialysis center for residents in partnership with DaVita and features a resident interview.
Virginia Health Services President & CEO Mark Klyczek published a guest editorial in online versions of the Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot the evening of Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. The op-ed shared the ways in which the new federal staffing guidelines for nursing homes conflicts with providing quality care.
Excerpt:
“As a nursing home operator in the local community for more than 60 years, Virginia Health Services is proud of the care we have delivered to thousands of individuals. While we fully support the staffing requirements adopted by the Virginia legislature, a federal staffing mandate would significantly reduce the quality of care in nursing homes. The Virginia model sets a consistent staffing standard and funds the staff needed to achieve the goal we all have, which is to provide improved staffing and quality care. The federal mandate is expected to be unachievable, and funding has not been discussed.
“… Should a more stringent mandate without funding be implemented by the federal government, nursing homes will be forced to accept fewer patients, and some may be forced to close.”
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